How to Grow Imperialis Lily 'The Premier'
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Imperialis Lily 'The Premier'
Lilium imperiale 'The Premier'
flowerThe Premier is a stunning cultivar of the Imperialis lily, featuring tall, stately stems adorned with large, trumpet-shaped flowers in rich burgundy-red with golden centers. This ornamental lily is prized for cut flowers and dramatic garden displays, reaching heights of 4-6 feet with multiple blooms per stem.
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Example Imperialis Lily 'The Premier' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Imperialis Lily 'The Premier'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Imperialis Lily 'The Premier' blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8; prefers cooler climates with cold winters
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Dormancy & Planting
Winter months (dormant period)Bulbs are planted in fall or early spring. Bulbs appear inactive but roots are developing underground.
Plant in fall (September-November) for spring blooming. Ensure bulbs are firm, disease-free, and stored in cool conditions before planting. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch after planting.
Emergence & Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksGreen shoots emerge from soil in spring; stems grow rapidly with lance-shaped leaves arranged along the stem.
Remove mulch gradually as shoots appear. Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) when shoots are 6 inches tall. Water regularly and ensure good drainage.
Bud Formation
3-4 weeksStem continues elongating; flower buds form in clusters at the top of the stem, initially appearing as small green bumps.
Apply high-phosphorus fertilizer (5-10-10) to promote flowering. Continue consistent watering. Install stakes for tall varieties to prevent bending or breaking.
Flowering
3-4 weeksLarge, trumpet-shaped flowers open sequentially from bottom to top of the cluster, displaying deep burgundy-red petals with golden centers. Flowers are fragrant and highly ornamental.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Remove lower leaves as they yellow. Provide support stakes if needed. Water at soil level to avoid wetting flowers.
Post-Bloom & Bulb Maturation
6-8 weeksFlowers fade and drop; foliage remains green and photosynthesizes to rebuild bulb energy reserves. Stem begins to yellow.
Do NOT cut foliage until it is completely brown and falls over naturally. Continue watering and fertilizing until foliage fully senescences. Allow 6 weeks post-bloom for bulb recovery.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick adults and larvae in early morning; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce beneficial insects
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide if severe; improve air circulation
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Remove infested flowers; use blue sticky traps; apply insecticidal soap or spinosad
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Improve air circulation; remove affected flowers; apply fungicide; avoid overhead watering
Uses
Decorative floral displays
CulinaryImperialis lilies are rarely used in culinary preparations, but their dramatic flowers are essential in high-end floral arrangements, wedding centerpieces, and decorative bouquets. The long vase life makes them ideal for special occasions. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
HouseholdThe Premier's tall stems and large flowers make it perfect for cutting for indoor arrangements. The flowers last 1-2 weeks in water and bring substantial height and color to any room. [source]
Dried flower crafts
CraftLilies can be dried for use in dried arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects. The petals retain their burgundy color well when dried properly. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden, supporting local pollinator populations and contributing to garden biodiversity. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalWhile not commonly used medicinally in modern herbalism, lily bulbs have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and other traditional practices for centuries. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For cut flowers, harvest in early morning when bottom flowers are fully open but upper buds are still tight. Cut stems at least 1/3 of the way down the stem to allow bulb recovery. Remove lower leaves from cut stems. Place immediately in clean water with floral preservative. Cut flowers typically last 10-14 days in a vase. For garden display, allow flowers to bloom naturally and deadhead spent blooms only.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Imperialis lily is named after its regal appearance and commanding height; some cultivars can reach up to 6 feet tall, making them among the tallest ornamental lilies.
- 🌱 Lilies have been cultivated for over 3,000 years, with ancient Egyptian tomb paintings and Japanese art featuring lilies prominently as symbols of purity and rebirth.
- 🌱 The fragrance of lilies comes from volatile organic compounds and can fill an entire room; some people remove stamens from cut flowers to reduce pollen staining and control fragrance intensity.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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